Definitions:

Definitions vary slightly from one source to another,
but common definitions of Macro Minerals include:

1.

Minerals found in a typical adult human body in quantities
greater than 5g.

2.

Minerals required by a typical adult human body in
quantities greater than 100mg per day.

Micro
Mineral

Definitions vary slightly from one source to another,
but common definitions of Micro Minerals include:

1.

Minerals found in a typical adult human body in quantities
less than 5g.

2.

Minerals required by a typical adult human body in
quantities of 1mg-100mg per day.

Trace Element

Chemical element (as opposed to an organiccompound,
e.g. vitamins are not elements - they are compounds)
required in minute concentrations for normal bodily
development and growth.
There is some overlap between the classification
of elements as "Micro Minerals" and
"Trace Elements". Different textbook
favour one or other category for elements such
as copper, manganese, zinc and others.
In the case of "Trace Elements", `of the two definitions
stated above, No.2 (relating to the typical daily requirement)
may be the most helpful because according to this definition
Trace Elements are described as "Minerals required by
a typical human body in quantities of less than 1mg per day".

Deficiency
may lead to:
Anaemia;
Increased susceptibility to infections.

Long-term
excessive intake of iron can lead to:
Haemochromatosis or Haemosiderosis (involving
organ damage), and both of which are rare;
Insufficient calcium and magnesium in the
body (because these minerals compete with
each other for absorption);
Increased
susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Insufficient
potassium in the body may lead to:
General muscle paralysis;Metabolic disturbances.

Excessive
amounts in the body (whether due to intake
or other causes) may lead to:
Arrhythmia, and ultimately cardiac arrest
("heart attack").Metabolic disturbances.

Sodium (Na)

Controls
the volume of extracellular fluid in the
body;
Maintains the acid-alkali (pH) balance in
the body;
Necessary
to maintain electrical potentials of the nervous system
- and so functioning of muscle and nerve tissues.

Part
of the enzyme copper-zince superoxide dismutase
(CuZn SOD);
Also present in other enzymes, including
cytochrome oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase,
and tyrosinases;
Found in the red blood cells, and in blood plasma;

Excessive
intake has been associated with brain conditions
such as symptoms similar to those resulting
from Parkinson's disease.

Selenium (Se)

Antioxidant
properties (prevents peroxidation of lipids
in the cells);
Essential component of the enzyme glutathione
peroxidase;
Contributes to efficiency of the immune
system -
very wide variety of protective functions within the
body.

Egg
yolk;
Garlic;
Seafood;
Whole-grain flour.

Deficiency
may lead to:
Cardiomyopathy;
Kaschin-Beck disease (affects the cartilage at joints).

Excessive intake can lead to selenium poisoning.

Sulphur
(S)

Healing
build-up of toxic substances in the body;
Structural health of the body (sulphur is
a part of many amino acids incl. cysteine and methionine)
; Healthy skin, nails & hair.

Deficiency
is rare but may lead to:Lesions on the skin, oesophagus and cornea;
Retarded growth (of children);
Susceptibility to infection.

Excessive
intake is not a common problem but especially if zinc
supplements are taken over an extended period of time,
can reduce the absorption of Copper (so Copper supplements
may also be appropriate).

Advice Notes:
Always research the contraindications & side-effects
of supplements. The above revision information
is intended for therapists qualified in Diet and
Nutrition. Unqualified persons are advised to
seek professional guidance in the use of supplements.
Minerals can do more harm than good if taken in excessive
amounts and may be useless unless in combination with other
minerals.

The above table is a basic summary. More information
about some of these minerals is included elsewhere on
this website.
See also What is a balanced diet ?